The analysis of technology cannot escape questions of morality, and certainty is dangerous. Plus, the CIA leak, and the difference between exploits and encryption.
Fake News and Facebook, Filter Bubbles and People, Google’s Featured Snippets Problem
Research says truly fake news isn’t much of a problem; filter bubbles are, but algorithms are less responsible than it seems. That, though, is why Google in particular has a responsibility to do better.
Facebook’s Incentives and Confirmation Bias, James Allworth: Founders and Motivation, Follow-up
My podcast partner explains why I was mistaken to not oppose Facebook’s power sooner — and I welcome it. Plus, additional follow-up on Manifestos and Monopolies.
Manifestos and Monopolies
Facebook has long had too much power, but Mark Zuckerberg’s expressed willingness to use said power for political ends means it’s time to consider countermeasures.
Snap S-1 Follow-up, Facebook Earnings, Hedging the Future of Advertising
From a business perspective, Snapchat isn’t like Apple at all. Then, Facebook further unveils its video strategy, and continues to invest in what may be the future of advertising.
Snap’s Apple Strategy
Snap plans to win on innovation; we’ve known for 30 years, though, that that is not always enough.
Inspired Media
The key for products and politicians used to be maximizing paid and earned media. What matters on the Internet, though, is inspired media.
Twitter/Snapchat/Instagram Follow-up; LINE Earnings; Samsung Batteries, Monopsony Power, Earnings
More evidence of faltering Snapchat growth, and a cautionary tale from LINE. Then, lots of news from Samsung, a company doing much better than most think.
The Facebook Journalism Project, Why Facebook Fails as a Platform, How Facebook Can Truly Help the Media — and Itself
Facebook has announced the Facebook Journalism Project, which primarily serves to highlight the extent to which Facebook has failed as a platform company.
Alexa: Amazon’s Operating System
Money is made at chokepoints, and the most valuable chokepoints are operating systems; Amazon is building exactly that with Alexa.